Looking for monitors for the living room

[teleblaze]

Hello,

Right now I live in a one-floor shared space where the living room, desk, bedroom, and kitchen are all on the same level. There’s a divider wall between the living room and the bedroom.
The entire flat is around 64 square meters. By closing the divider wall, I can create an enclosed area of about 8x4 meters — more or less.

I’m looking for speakers or studio monitors to connect to my PS5 and, later on, to a music streamer. For now, I’ll mostly use them through the TV (with Tidal) or my laptop.
My budget is around 1500usd , though I’d be happy to spend less. I don’t need perfect studio accuracy since I’m not mixing — I just want great sound quality and the ability to fill the room when needed. Most of my listening will be nearfield (1–2 meters in front of the speakers), but it would be great if the sound also carried nicely to my desk and bedroom.
I can leave up to about 1 meter between the speakers and the wall, but I’d prefer to keep it closer to 30cm.


I’ve been looking at the Kali IN-8 V2, IN-5, and Adam T5V–T8V models. I also came across the HEDD Type 07 MK2, which really intrigued me — though it’s quite a bit more expensive.


I’m leaning toward active speakers for their simplicity and because I don’t currently own an AVR. I have a FiiO K13 R2R on the way, and I might add a MiniDSP later on.


Does it make sense for me to go with active speakers instead of a traditional hi-fi setup? My thinking is that, for the cost of one good hi-fi system, I could actually build two active speaker stetups -- one in the living room and one by my desk.

I prefer the speakers to not be too big and look decent all things considered.. if they are strong enough of course.

Thank you so much for your help.

 

[vsch]

I don't have direct experience with the specific models you listed, but they’re all solid choices. In your situation, I'd look closely at the Kali IN-5 or IN-8. They measure well on spinorama.org and are proper 3-way coaxial designs, which gives you controlled vertical directivity — very helpful in nearfield setups and in spaces where you’ll often be above/below tweeter height.

Some additional considerations:

Subwoofer or not?
If you don’t plan to use a sub, the IN-8 is the safer bet thanks to the stronger low-end. With a sub, the IN-5 will probably suffice. Personally, I’d always go for a subwoofer: it’s the most cost-effective way to get full-range sound and offers placement flexibility. The key is proper integration — measurements and a DSP with delay control make a big difference.

Room correction
Especially in an untreated or irregular room, room correction can substantially improve sound quality. I’d get a simple measurement mic (e.g., UMIK-1) and a DSP/DAC capable of EQ and — if using a sub — delay + crossover controls.

• Without a sub: a WiiM Pro Plus could do the job (PEQ per channel).
• With a sub: miniDSP (Flex / Flex HT) is the better option since you can configure delays and crossover filters.

If you decide to go passive instead
A used Denon AVR with Audyssey XT32 offers great value, especially since it works with @OCA 's excellent and free A1 Acoustica tool for (semi-automatic) room correction and sub integration. Pair it with something like KEF LS50 (or similar) and a decent sub (e.g., SVS SB-1000 or similar depending on region) and you’re set.

[Finally, I have no strong opinion on whether active or passive is better. Although active speakers have conceptual advantages both can sound good. FWIW, on the desk, I have a 2.1 active system for nearfield listening (Genelec 8030c + Arendal 1961 1S + miniDSP Flex). In the living room, I have an old but upgraded 5.1 passive system (KEF HTS-3001 + SVS SB-1000 classic + Denon 3800h with A1 Acoustica). I enjoy them both.]

Good luck and have fun.

 

[TheKoC]

Of the ones you listed the In-8 V2 would be my choice, considering the room size. Although with a room that big I would probably prefer towers, maybe the Kef Q7 is in your budget, you would need to add an amplifier, though.

 

[teleblaze]

I don't have direct experience with the specific models you listed, but they’re all solid choices. In your situation, I'd look closely at the Kali IN-5 or IN-8. They measure well on spinorama.org and are proper 3-way coaxial designs, which gives you controlled vertical directivity — very helpful in nearfield setups and in spaces where you’ll often be above/below tweeter height.

Some additional considerations:

Subwoofer or not?
If you don’t plan to use a sub, the IN-8 is the safer bet thanks to the stronger low-end. With a sub, the IN-5 will probably suffice. Personally, I’d always go for a subwoofer: it’s the most cost-effective way to get full-range sound and offers placement flexibility. The key is proper integration — measurements and a DSP with delay control make a big difference.

Room correction
Especially in an untreated or irregular room, room correction can substantially improve sound quality. I’d get a simple measurement mic (e.g., UMIK-1) and a DSP/DAC capable of EQ and — if using a sub — delay + crossover controls.

• Without a sub: a WiiM Pro Plus could do the job (PEQ per channel).
• With a sub: miniDSP (Flex / Flex HT) is the better option since you can configure delays and crossover filters.

If you decide to go passive instead
A used Denon AVR with Audyssey XT32 offers great value, especially since it works with @OCA 's excellent and free A1 Acoustica tool for (semi-automatic) room correction and sub integration. Pair it with something like KEF LS50 (or similar) and a decent sub (e.g., SVS SB-1000 or similar depending on region) and you’re set.

[Finally, I have no strong opinion on whether active or passive is better. Although active speakers have conceptual advantages both can sound good. FWIW, on the desk, I have a 2.1 active system for nearfield listening (Genelec 8030c + Arendal 1961 1S + miniDSP Flex). In the living room, I have an old but upgraded 5.1 passive system (KEF HTS-3001 + SVS SB-1000 classic + Denon 3800h with A1 Acoustica). I enjoy them both.]

Good luck and have fun.

What a great post. Thank you.

I will add a sub in a month or so. So eventually yeah. Though if I can spare a sub without much sacrificing much in the lower end then I might.

I can get the Focal Chora 826 for 800usd from display which is a nice value(it's 2000usd new where i'm from). I prefer bookshelf speakers over floorstanding speakers because of the form factory and the looks though. I don't want to overcrowd the space as it's limited as is.

As far as Hifi speakers is concerned, i'm mainly looking at the Focal Chora and the Focal Theva. The Theva n1 bookshelf speakers are priced at 1200usd. I will need to buy an AVR or power them with like an SMSL AS400 which is a bargain. I'm not looking to have a surround sound... i'm gonna be running a 3.1 at most if I do go with a Hifi setup.

Yeah, I thought about buying the MiniDSP Flex. It looks phenomenal.

There aren't many second hand bargains where i'm from unfortunately. It'd rather buy new as crazy as it sounds because the price isn't worth it :/

 

[teleblaze]

Of the ones you listed the In-8 V2 would be my choice, considering the room size. Although with a room that big I would probably prefer towers, maybe the Kef Q7 is in your budget, you would need to add an amplifier, though.

The Chora 826 is in my budget. It's from display so used. I just don't like floorstanding speakers as much, but I imagine that 800usd is a good deal for them.

 

[Ellebob]

I work in this industry and we carry Kali where I work and I am familiar with all their models as I had to do testing on them for my work. I also own the IN-5 in my living room and the LP-8 I use for the front 3 in my theater. The IN-5 is my personal favorite speaker in this price range, I really enjoy this speaker. The IN-8 goes slightly lower 2hz but is capable of playing louder before distortion. We do some Adam speakers at work but don't feature them. But, I am familiar with most of their models. It is personal preference whether someone likes Adam or Kali and other brands. Some really love that tweeter others not as much. Definitely not as good for vertical dispersion.

As far as towers vs bookshelf, it depends. Towers will typically play louder, so if you like to turn it up a bigger speaker is needed. You don't need a tower for a bigger space if you you don't listen very loud. With passive speakers, towers typically play lower in bass than their bookshelf equivalent and this is definitely true for the Focal series. But, comparing to an active speaker that is not always the case. A tower like the 826 doesn't play as low as the IN-5 or IN-8, so without a sub the IN5/8 will go lower in bass. However, they won't play as loud as the 826.

I always recommend a sub to fill in the lower octave and as mentioned gives better placement flexibility for bass. The best location for bass is almost never the mest location for mids and highs. I also own the Mini-dsp Flex HT but don't use it regularly but do use it for some testing. It was used in my family room but has since been replaced by other equipment. With the IN-5 speakers I use the Wiim Pro Plus. The Ultra didn't exist when I got the Wiim or I would have gotten the Ultra. We use Wiim quite a bit at work. If using with a TV, I would want the HDMI ARC capability. I would use the Ultra or their amps if using passive speakers. I like the Wiim as it has the streaming built in, with the Flex HT you need another device or source for streaming/ music but it does have better DSP capabiity. You can also expand it for HT or a center channel which is nice if you plan on doing that in the future. Both are great choices.

 

[teleblaze]

As far as towers vs bookshelf, it depends. Towers will typically play louder, so if you like to turn it up a bigger speaker is needed. You don't need a tower for a bigger space if you you don't listen very loud. With passive speakers, towers typically play lower in bass than their bookshelf equivalent and this is definitely true for the Focal series. But, comparing to an active speaker that is not always the case. A tower like the 826 doesn't play as low as the IN-5 or IN-8, so without a sub the IN5/8 will go lower in bass. However, they won't play as loud as the 826.

I always recommend a sub to fill in the lower octave and as mentioned gives better placement flexibility for bass. The best location for bass is almost never the mest location for mids and highs. I also own the Mini-dsp Flex HT but don't use it regularly but do use it for some testing. It was used in my family room but has since been replaced by other equipment. With the IN-5 speakers I use the Wiim Pro Plus. The Ultra didn't exist when I got the Wiim or I would have gotten it. We use Wiim quite a bit at work. If using with a TV I would want the HDMI ARC capability. I would use the Ultra or their amps if using passive speakers. I like the Wiim as it has the streaming built in, with the Flex HT you need another device or source for streaming

I actually like to listen on lower volumes. I was interested in RME ADI-2 FS DAC for this reason.

I'm really interested in the Kali's. I can get a pair of IN-5 with the Adam T10S sub for 1100usd. As far as the Choras, I made a mistake, they cost 1250 usd for a pair.

So from what i'm getting, the better way to spend the money right now is to get the Wiim Ultra with the Kali's instead of the Minidsp.

 

[Ellebob]

If you don't listen loud and for convenience of the Wiim, I think it is great combo!

 

[teleblaze]

If you don't listen loud and for convenience of the Wiim, I think it is great combo!

Have you tried the Neumann's kh120 by any chance? Would they be a good for my use case?

 

[Ellebob]

They are excellent as well. We carry Neumann as well. I would go with those over the Kali but here it is probably more than double the cost.